Endometriosis Excision Near Fredericksburg, VA
Receive caring and compassionate treatment in a safe and welcoming environment focused on your gynecological well-being.
What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a long-lasting medical condition marked by the presence of tissue similar to the uterine lining, called the endometrium, growing outside the uterus. This abnormal tissue growth may occur on various pelvic organs, including the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the lining of the abdominal cavity.
The condition can lead to a wide range of symptoms such as pelvic pain, painful menstrual periods, discomfort during sexual intercourse, and potential fertility issues. Additionally, it may disrupt normal bowel and bladder function, impair the immune system, cause significant fatigue, and result in positional orthostatic hypotension, all of which can influence emotional health and mental wellness.
Although the exact cause of endometriosis is not fully known, it is believed that a combination of genetic factors, hormonal imbalances, and immune system dysfunction contribute to its development. Treatment plans generally aim to reduce or eliminate symptoms and commonly include the use of pain medications, hormone therapies, and minimally invasive surgical procedures to remove endometrial tissue. In some cases, a hysterectomy, which involves removing the uterus, may be recommended alongside surgery to improve symptom management.
Symptoms of Endometriosis
Endometriosis symptoms can include the following, but this list is not comprehensive. People with endometriosis may experience many of these symptoms or only a few at a time.
- Pelvic pain
- Very painful menstrual cramps during your period (dysmenorrhea)
- Pain during or after intercourse (dyspareunia)
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Gastrointestinal symptoms (bloating, diarrhea, constipation)
- Fatigue
- Infertility or difficulty conceiving
- Painful urination, and pain with a full bladder-especially during menstruation
- Lower back pain
- Painful bowel movements during menstruation
How is Endometriosis Diagnosed?
If you are a patient in the areas near Fredericksburg, Virginia, during your consultation your provider will review the symptoms you have been experiencing, perform a pelvic exam, and typically carry out an endometriosis-focused vaginal ultrasound. Although a pelvic ultrasound cannot definitively rule out endometriosis, it can confirm its presence and identify whether the bladder, bowel, or ovaries are involved, helping guide counseling and surgical planning. The most conclusive way to diagnose endometriosis is through a laparoscopy, a surgical procedure where a thin camera is inserted into the abdomen. At the Center for Advanced Gynecology, you will never undergo a diagnostic laparoscopy alone because we believe that any laparoscopy should also include treatment to remove endometriosis during the same procedure.
Treatment Services For Endometriosis
Based on how severe your symptoms are, there are several treatment options available aimed at relieving or eliminating symptoms and enhancing your quality of life. These may include:
- Pain Medications: Non-prescription pain relievers like ibuprofen may be used to alleviate pain and discomfort. We generally avoid prescribing opioid pain medications for long-term management.
- Hormone Therapy: Treatments such as birth control pills, progestin-only pills, estrogen-blocking drugs, or hormonal IUDs can help regulate or halt menstrual cycles, potentially reducing endometriosis growth and inflammation.
- Laparoscopic Surgery: Recognized as the gold standard for endometriosis treatment, this minimally invasive procedure is our specialty at the Center for Advanced Gynecology Fredericksburg. Laparoscopy is typically recommended when hormonal therapies fail to relieve symptoms or in cases of infertility.
- Hysterectomy: For severe uterine-related pain, or when the uterus is affected by endometriosis or adenomyosis, and other treatments have not been effective, removal of the uterus and possibly the ovaries may be advised, always accompanied by excision of endometriosis during the same surgery.
- Lifestyle Changes: Adjusting your diet and incorporating exercise, including the use of anti-inflammatory supplements, can sometimes help ease symptoms.
If your provider believes you may have endometriosis, your treatment plan will be carefully tailored to address your individual symptoms and needs.
What To Expect
During your initial consultation, your provider will perform a medical evaluation and pelvic exam, along with asking detailed questions about your symptoms. They may also order imaging tests like an ultrasound or MRI. If endometriosis is suspected, a laparoscopy may be suggested.
After the assessment, your provider will review your treatment options with you, outlining the advantages, risks, and possible side effects of each choice.
What are the Risks of Endometriosis Treatment?
Endometriosis treatments carry certain risks, including possible side effects from medications, rare surgical complications, hormonal shifts, and potential effects on fertility. Your provider will carefully review all possible risks with you before starting any treatment.
Why Choose The Center For Advanced Gynecology
Founded in 2018, the Center for Advanced Gynecology is dedicated to improving the health of patients from Fredericksburg, Virginia, and surrounding areas by providing expert care in multiple conditions, with a special focus on laparoscopic excision of endometriosis when surgery is needed.
Our team also offers specialized expertise in non-surgical treatment options for chronic pelvic pain, painful intercourse, pudendal neuralgia, and vaginal, vulvar, and bladder pain.